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- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or fusilli) - 2 cups cooked chicken, diced - 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 cup heavy cream - Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper - Breadcrumbs for topping - Olive oil for drizzling I love this dish for its simple yet hearty ingredients. The cooked pasta serves as the base, giving it a satisfying bite. I often use penne or fusilli, but you can pick your favorite. The diced chicken adds protein and flavor, making it filling. Broccoli brings color and nutrition to the mix. I like using fresh, but frozen works just as well. The cheese blend is key; cheddar gives a sharp taste, while mozzarella melts beautifully. Together, they create a cheesy goodness that pulls everything together. Diced tomatoes add moisture and a hint of sweetness. Don’t forget the heavy cream! It makes the dish rich and creamy. I season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors. The breadcrumbs on top provide crunch and a golden finish. A drizzle of olive oil helps them crisp up nicely. This combination of ingredients creates a warm, comforting meal that pleases everyone. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked pasta, 2 cups of diced chicken, and 1 cup of broccoli florets. - Add 1 can of drained diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. - In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of cheese. Use half cheddar and half mozzarella. - Pour this mixture over the pasta and chicken mixture, stirring gently until everything is well coated. - Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. - Top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle ½ cup of breadcrumbs evenly across the top. - Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the breadcrumbs for added crunch. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. - Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. - Ensure pasta is al dente for best texture. This means it should be firm but not hard. - Use freshly grated cheese for improved melting. Pre-packaged cheese may not melt as well. - Garnish with parsley or basil for a fresh touch. This adds color and flavor. - Pair with a crisp salad or warm garlic bread. Both enhance the meal. - To prevent burning the top, cover with foil for part of the bake. This keeps it moist. - If your pasta bake is dry, add more cream. This will help restore moisture and creaminess. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. It adds great flavor and saves time! Veggie Variations: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to enhance the nutrition and flavor profile. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or cream cheese for extra creaminess. Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in this dish. Feel free to use gouda or parmesan instead of cheddar and mozzarella. Each cheese brings a unique flavor. If you want a lighter option, swap the chicken for turkey or a plant-based protein. Cooked lentils or chickpeas work great here. Adding more veggies boosts flavor and nutrition. Spinach adds a lovely green touch. Bell peppers bring a sweet crunch, while zucchini lends a mild taste. You can also toss in frozen or fresh mixed vegetables. Just make sure they are cut small enough to cook evenly. If you want to try a slow cooker version, mix all the ingredients as usual. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. For an Instant Pot adaptation, combine the ingredients, adding a little extra liquid. Cook on high for about 8 minutes. Both methods will give you a creamy, cheesy delight! To store leftovers, let the cheesy chicken pasta bake cool. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If the dish smells off or looks strange, toss it out. Safety first! If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Portion the pasta bake into smaller containers. Make sure to label them with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This helps keep the flavors intact. For reheating, the oven is best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to heat evenly. This helps maintain texture and flavor. Enjoy your meal! The best pasta for this dish is penne or fusilli. Both types hold sauce well and add great texture. Penne’s tube shape traps cheese and cream inside, while fusilli's spirals catch bits of chicken and veggies. You can also use other pastas like rotini or shells. Just make sure to cook it al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy in the bake. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Assemble the pasta bake, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This makes it perfect for busy days or gatherings. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. To make this cheesy chicken pasta bake gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer options that taste great. Ensure all other ingredients, like cream and broth, are gluten-free as well. Always check labels to avoid hidden gluten in sauces or seasonings. Great sides to serve with this dish include a fresh salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad adds crunch and brightness. Garlic bread complements the cheesy flavors and is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce. For a veggie boost, consider serving steamed or roasted vegetables on the side. Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with lighter options. Use half-and-half for a creamier texture with less fat. You can also use whole milk, but the dish may be less rich. If you want a non-dairy option, try coconut milk or cashew cream. These can add a nice flavor twist to your bake. This blog post covered a tasty cheesy chicken pasta bake. We shared the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about ingredient swaps and how to store leftovers. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Don't hesitate to tweak the recipe to fit your taste. This dish is perfect for family meals or gatherings, and you can enjoy it again with leftovers. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

A delicious and creamy pasta bake loaded with chicken, cheese, and broccoli.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and broccoli florets.
  • Add the drained diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Pour this mixture over the pasta and chicken mixture, stirring gently until everything is well coated.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly across the top. Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumbs for added crunch and flavor.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls garnished with freshly chopped parsley or basil.
Keyword bake, cheesy, chicken, pasta